Six counties in 60 seconds

Students in a Northwestern University program that gained national fame for investigations that helped free wrongfully convicted prison inmates -- including some who were on death row -- have a new cause. They are now investigating cases in which caregivers were convicted in what are called shaken-baby syndrome cases. In a news release, the Medill Innocence Project at Northwestern said the students will look at two Chicago-area cases. This is the first time the project has looked into shaken-baby syndrome cases. The project's director, Alec Klein, said the decision to take a look was made because science has evolved and some assumptions about the cause of death in such cases are being challenged.

Scammer pleads guilty:

A Lake Forest man has pleaded guilty to defrauding investors in a now-defunct sleep disorder business. The Chicago Tribune reported Wednesday that Kenneth Dachman pleaded guilty to wire fraud. He admitted to soliciting money from investors for the business and instead using the funds for personal use. Federal prosecutors said Dachman spent much of the money on a Lake Forest mansion, a tattoo parlor and family vacations. Investors believed their money would be used to purchase sleep-related equipment, rent office space and pay physicians. Dachman admitted taking about $700,000 in bonuses and fees above a reasonable salary. He faces up to 20 years in prison, a maximum fine of $250,000 and restitution to victims.

Entire ethics board replaced:

A spokeswoman said Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel decided to replace the city's entire Board of Ethics because he wants "a board more in line with the priorities of the administration." Spokeswoman Sarah Hamilton on Wednesday said the mayor asked three board members to resign. Another three members were serving on expired terms, and a seventh spot was vacant. The board will be chaired by Stephen Beard. He's served as an executive and general counsel at an executive search firm called Heidrick & Struggles. The other board members are: former Illinois Appellate Court Judge Michael Gallagher; former Cook County Circuit Court Judge Julia Nowicki; former Chicago budget official Russell Carlson; community development expert Fran Grossman; Community and Economic Development Association executive Daisy Lezama; and theologian Mary Trout Carr.

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